In the early months of its initial 20th century organizational existence, the Military Order of the World Wars (MOWW) veteran service organization invested much effort in defining its organizational purpose, and in identifying the necessary enlistment of members needed to form the organization. Although little actual historical documentation exists today to present an adequate picture of all that occurred leading up to the organization's formation and formalizing its corporate structure, some published historical records are available to help recreate the initial thoughts contemplated during the first initial September 1920 national convention, at which 156 delegates named and launched the justly proud and patriotic organization now known as "The  Military Order of the World Wars" or "MOWW." Historical anecdotal notes laid the pivotal ground work that would help forge the organization's future and delineate its dedicated servant leadership and perpetual selfless service mission that continues to guide fellow companions to this very day.

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One of the most significant contributions considered early on during the first national convention in 1920 was the adoption of what became labeled then, and continues to this day, the drafting and presenting of what is known today as the MOWW Constitutional "Preamble." In its nine tenants it sets forth the purpose of the organization and its purpose for existing. Drafted by Captain Francis B. Grevemburg, a charter member of the then New Orleans Chapter in 1919, who registered and attended the 1920 convention, the MOWW Constitutional Preamble and its guiding tenants were derived during the train ride en-route to Detroit, Michigan and drafted by Captain Grevemburg, using the back of an envelope. With but the slightest change in the originating text verbiage, the MOWW Preamble to the Order's Constitution remains today in effect and is proudly on display at the MOWW national headquarters, in Alexandria, Virginia.

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At the 1920 convention, Major General George H. Harries was elected the first Commander-in-Chief (CinC). A man of vision, leadership ability and dynamic drive, General Harries, was elected as the Order's MOWW CinC for a total of five consecutive years. During his tenure, General Harries also  acquired the necessary initial funding and staff to publish and introduce the "MOWW National Bulletin", now known as the "Officer Review" National Magazine in May of 1921. His insistence on enlisting and nurturing the active interest of General of the Armies, John J. Pershing, later to become the first "Honorary Commander-in-Chief for Life" of the Order and who recommended that the MOWW also adapt a meaningful National Security role in its organizational mission,lead to the commencement of our long standing tradition and dedicated commitment as proponents and perpetual sentinels of our country's national defense, national security and defense of the homeland added mission support activities.

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The interest and support given the Order by General Pershing, planted the seeds for advocating and maintaining a strong military establishment, and consistent policy assuring America's national security vigilance mission and providing the impetus and integrity from the organization's inception, which persist today through the constant vigil and organizational investment in our many sponsored Patriotic Education-based youth development efforts and leadership mentorship programs that help forge current and future national leadership sponsorship and investment opportunities for todays best and brightest academic scholars. No other patriotic organization, comprised of currently serving and former military officers (whether they be active duty, reserve, retired or guard citizen soldiers) embrace a higher statement of post national service principles, preserving the best of America's past while striving to secure and better our country's future, as the Order transmits all these ideals "...to posterity, under God and for our Nation."

 

As a result today, fellow Companions, serving in the MOWW do not engage in any personal partisan political lobbying for self gain, nor do they engage in any activities that may lead to personal gain. As the MOWW centennial celebration nears in January of 2019, it has been a constant and loyal proponent of our organizational national patriotic values and steadfast national defense and security policy vigilance carried out by all its fellow companions and provided in service to all our fellow citizens, to have the MOWW serve prominently as the very heart of national patriotism and true Americanism, as demonstrated through our numerous traditions and sponsored programs. Among the most notable and recognizable are our numerous youth leadership and development programs such as; the hosting of partnered annual Massing of the Colors & Service of Remembrance Ceremonial Event venues and the increasing number of nationwide state Youth Leadership Conferences summer program offerings devised to provide all student scholars the fundamentals behind our personal liberties, freedoms and promote responsible personal citizenship responsibilities.

 

Serving in the Military Order of the World Wars is not intended for everyone, which would account for our rather small veteran service organization corporate footprint of just between five to seven thousand members globally, comprised of those select few who have already served in the military and rendered full military careers in service of our great nation but have chosen to continue to serve our great nation after retirement - as it is a clear "call to duty" above and beyond merely rendering military or public commissioned officer service. Beyond heeding the call to arms in defense of one's nation, there is no greater honorable cause than rendering continued servant leadership and personal selfless service in perpetuity and exhibiting these admirable personal attributes as retired private citizens during times of peace as well as during crisis.